Execs from Rome, Dublin to check IEC venue
CEBU, Philippines - Officials from Rome Congress and Dublin Congress are expected to visit Cebu next month to inspect the venue of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress here, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma revealed.
“The secretary of the Dublin Congress will come over next month, and the secretary to the President of the International Congress in Rome will also come next month for ocular inspection,†Palma said.
Palma could not comment on the progress of the preparations made for the global event since the committee concerned has not submitted report yet. However, he assured media to receive update soon.
“The invitations of the speakers have been sent and construction is ongoing,†Palma said, adding that everything is being worked out according to schedule.
The prelate said there is no formal announcement yet on whether or not Pope Francis will grace the IEC in 2016.
“There had been insinuations from the Pope that he wants to come. That is why when people ask me if the Pope is coming, my answer is yes,†he said.
Palma said he has received reports that the Pope would come before the event. “But we really do not know until there is a formal announcement,†he clarified.
The IEC in 2016 is said to be the largest Catholic gathering in the world which would mainly happen in Cebu.
Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City will play as the main venue of the gathering.
Construction of what is called as “IEC pavilion†is now underway at the Seminario Mayor. The pavilion will house a mammoth crowd of delegates from around the globe.
It is targeted to be finished in October 2015.
Earlier reports said even if the activities will be mostly held in Cebu, Palma said the entire country should cooperate in welcoming the delegates.
In September 2016, Palma said a mini-congress will be held in Rome. (FREEMAN)
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